The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-08-14

In moment the young lieutenant was in his
fathers arms: while the man who accompanied
him carefully shut the door, after taking a last
look round outside.
1t was Mars. Zermahts husband, Gilbert Bur-
banks devoted follower
After embracing his father, Gilbert turned
round. Then, seeing Alice, he took her hand
and clasped it with an irresistible movement of
affection.
My motner!" he said. .sWhere is mother?
Is it true that she is dyingW
You know all, then" said James Burbank.
81 know all; the plantation laid waste by the
Jacksonville ruffians. the attack on Castle
House. my mother-dead perhaps!"
The young mans presence in the county where
he such peril was Immediately explained.
This is what had happened:
That evening some gunboats from Commo-
dore Duponts squadron had come to the mouth
of the ST. Johns. Ascending the river. they
had to stop at the bar, four miles below Jack
sonyllIe A few hours later man, calling him
: self one of the lighthouse keepers at Pablo had
boarded Stevens's gunboat,,on which Gilbert was
second in command. The man had related all
that had passed at Jacksonville. including the
at tack on Candles Bay, the dispersal of the
blacks, and the serious condition of Mrs. Bur
bank. It may be guessed what Gilberts
feelings on listening to the story of these de-
Then he was seized with an irresistible de-
sire to see his mother. With the permission of
Commandant Stevens he had left the fotiila in
the gig. Accompanied by the faithful Mars, he
passed unnoficed in the darkness-by the way
he knew weli-and landed half mile below
Candies Bay, so as to avoid touching at the
pier, which would probably be watched.
But what he did not know, and could not
know, was that he had fallen into snare spread
by Texar. AT any price the Spaniard desired to
obtain the proof required by the magistrates
the proof that James Burbank in CORE
spondence with the enemy. To entice the young
lieutenant to Candles Bay, a observation-disclosures
at Pablo had been sent to acquaint Gilbert with
what had occurred at Castle House, particularly
the condition of his mother. The young lieuten-
ant had set out, as we know, and he had been
watched as he went up the river. AS he glided
along by the reeds that bordered the high bank
of the St Johns he had. however, thrown the
Spaniard's men off the track but though the
spies had not seen him land below Candies Bay,
they hoped to capture him on his return, partic-
ularly as all that part of the river was under
their surveillance.
.'Mothern continued Gilbert .where is she?r
Here. my son!' said Mrs Burbank.
She had just appeared on the landing of the
hall staircase; she descended slowly, holding the
rail, and fell on couch, while Gilbert covered
her with kisses.
In her troubled sleep she had heard the knock
at the door recognizing her sons voice. she
had collected sufficient strength to get up and
meet Gilbert to weep with him and the others.
The young man clasped her In his arms.
Mother! mother." said he. ~ you again,
after all. How you are suffering! But you live!
Ali we will cure you! Yes! These evil days will
soon end. We shall be -united-soon! We
will give you back your health. Fear nothing
for me, mother. No one knows that Mars and
here" And as he spoke. Gilbert saw his
mother was fainting, and tried to rivi7e her by
his
But Mars seemed to understand that he and
Gilbert did not know the full extent of tho
calamity. James Burbank, Carol and Stan
nard stood silent With bowed heads Alice could
not restrain her tears. by was not there.
was Zermah. who ought to have guessed that
her husband was at Candles Bay, that he was
in the house, that he was waiting
So with his heart torn by anguish, he looked
into all the corners of the hall, and then asked
MIR. Burbank:
ssMaster what is the matter!"
At this moment Gilbert rose
"And Dy2" he asked, Has DY gone to bed?"
Where is my little sister,"
where is my wife7' said Mars
An instant atterward tho young officer and
Mars knew all. In coming from the Sr Johns
from the place where their canoe waiting
for them, they had seen enough in the darkness
of the ruins of the plan tation. But they might
naturally think that with the disaster conse-
ouent on the enfranchisement of the blacks, the
limit had been reached! Now nothing was hid
from them. One did not find his aister at home,
the other did not find his wife, and no one could
tell them where Texar had hidden them for
these seven days.
Gilbert returned to kneel near Mrs. Burbank
His tears mingled with hers Mars, with blood
shot face and painting chest, walked to and fro,
unable TO contain himself
At last his rage exploded.
II will kill Texar !" he said. 81 will 60 to
Jacksonville to-marrow-this very night-this
very instant"
''Yes, come, Mars, Gomez said Gilbert
James Burbank stopped them.
If that was what ought to be DONE" said he.
81 should not have waited for you to come, my
son The scoundrel would already have paid
with his life for his evil deeds. But. before that
is done, it is necessary that he should say what
he alone can say, And when speak thus. Gil
bert-when 1 advise you and Mars to walt-it is
because il is necessary wait"
BE it SO. father" said the young man. But
at least 1 will ransack the country; 1 will
search"
And do you think have not done so7 Not
day has passed without our exploring the river
banks and islands whichImight serve as a refuge
for TeXar. and not trace have we found, not a
thing to put US your sisters track. Carol and |
STANDARD have helped me, and up to now our
search has been fruitless"
why did you not lodge complaint at Jack
souville2" asked the young officer. ''Why have |
you not brought action against Texar for |
having caused the pillage of Candles Bay and |
the abduction"
"Why7" answered James Burbank Because |
Texar is now the master; because all honest men |
tremble before the scoundrels who are devoted |
to him; because the populace is with him. and |
the county militia is with him."
TO BE CONTINUED NEXT SUNDAY.